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Describe two features of life in the Whitechapel workhouses - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Describe two features of life in the Whitechapel workhouses. Feature 1 Feature 2 (Total for Question 1 = 4 marks)
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe two features of life in the Whitechapel workhouses - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Feature 1: Food Was Basic
Answer
The food provided in the Whitechapel workhouses was often basic and insufficient. Meals typically consisted of gruel, bread, and cheese. This lack of proper nutrition contributed to the poor health of the inmates, as the diet did not meet their dietary needs and left many in a state of hunger.
Step 2
Feature 2: Life Was Deliberately Unpleasant
Answer
Life in the workhouses was designed to be uncomfortable and punitive. Inmates were often set to hard labor, and there were various punishments for disobedience. For example, William Valance implemented strict rules that banned women from drinking tea and men from smoking, highlighting the harsh living conditions and lack of freedom faced by the residents.